Consumer Law

Couple's suit says Apple should pay for increased usage cost from Wi-Fi Assist feature

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  • Print.

A feature on new Apple smartphones is intended to make use of the devices faster and smoother by switching to cellular service from Wi-Fi if the connection is weak.

But the Wi-Fi Assist feature of the latest version of the iOS operating system for iPhones and iPads caused them to run up high data bills, a couple says in a lawsuit.

Filed Friday in federal court in San Jose, California, by William Scott Phillips and Suzanne Schmidt Phillips, the suit seeks to make Apple Inc. responsible for paying increased usage charges from the Wi-Fi Assist feature, contending that the issue wasn’t properly disclosed to consumers, CNet reports. The suit also seeks class action status.

They weren’t the only ones who weren’t aware of Wi-Fi Assist or that it was turned on by default. Apple explained the new feature on its Apple Support website earlier this month.

Apple Insider also has a story.

Hat tip: CBS News.

Give us feedback, share a story tip or update, or report an error.